Medieval re-creation group gathers in Milton

The Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), an organization committed to researching and re-creating the life of pre-1600s Europe, held an event at First Congregational Church of Milton on Saturday, Nov. 10. Entitled "A Day in the Caliph's Court," this event celebrated the rich culture of the medieval Islamic world. Note: All the people in this slideshow are referred to by their SCA "persona" names.
Next

Emily Files for Boston.com

The all-day event brought in SCA members from all over the Boston area. There were art and cultural classes and sword-fighting tournaments throughout the day. Some members dressed in their usual medieval European garb and others dressed to match the Islamic Caliphates the event celebrated.
Next

Emily Files for Boston.com

SCA has19 kingdoms across the U.S. and Canada. Massachusetts is part of the "East Kingdom." SCA members said there are SCA events every few weeks that they attend. Many practice their medieval interests outside of the events, though. The fencers and heavy fighters said they practice with fellow SCA members every week.
Next

Emily Files for Boston.com

Many of the people at the Milton event were longtime SCA members. Pictured here, Jehan du Lac, has been in SCA for 25 years. "My favorite thing is sometimes you put together a set of circumstances where you really feel like you are in a different time," she said.
Next

Emily Files for Boston.com

A boy watches Remy Delemontagne de Gascogne and Thomas of Effingham face off in a fencing match. "It's a physical activity I actually enjoy," Thomas said. "There's also a great sense of camaraderie [in SCA.]"
Next

Emily Files for Boston.com

Countess Marguerite used to be queen of the East Kingdom. "It was intense," she said. The East Kingdom has two reigns each year, with a different king and queen for summer and winter.
Next

Emily Files for Boston.com

Ketil Thorkilson and Ulfr Stinsson take part in a heavy combat match. Heavy combat was developed by the SCA. It is inspired by medieval European forms of combat and is more physical than fencing. Fighters say "good" when their opponent hits them in a spot that would have been a lethal blow in a real fight, conceding defeat.
Next

Emily Files for Boston.com

Ketil Thorkilson shows his hand-crafted helmet. He has been in SCA for six years and enjoys the heavy combat fights most.
Next

Emily Files for Boston.com

The Milton event included many artistic classes. They included poetry, dance, and weaving. One member said something many SCA members appreciate about the medieval Islamic period was its rich artistic and cultural offerings.
Next

Emily Files for Boston.com

The event organizers pointed out that the medieval Islamic world was flourishing in its Golden Age at the same time Christian Europe was suffering through a Dark Age. Here, Sir Michael high-fives one of the younger SCA members before he starts a weaving class inside the church.
Next

Emily Files for Boston.com

From left to right: Countess Marguerite, Baron Ferguson Gray, Sir Michael, and Jehan du Lac are all longtime members of SCA. "It's a very accepting culture," the Baron said. "You can see the vast difference in people's interests."
Next

Emily Files for Boston.com

Several SCA members gathered at a riqq and frame drum class taught by Lord Jerryd DeWayne.
Next

Emily Files for Boston.com

Almost all the members were dressed in medieval garb representing a wide variety of kingdoms and cultures.
Next

Emily Files for Boston.com

Clara Beaumont and Arnis Klusutajos, of Medford, have been in SCA for about 20 years. "I love the creativity," Clara said. "It's a great opportunity to learn new things with people who have similar interests."
Next